In Florida, driving is an essential part of daily life. However, this privilege comes with responsibilities that, if ignored, can lead to serious consequences. Maintaining your driving privileges in Florida requires navigating the state’s point system. Knowing how these points accumulate and what they mean for your driving record is key to keeping your driving privileges intact.
Are you facing a traffic violation or the risk of losing your license? At The Wiseman Law Firm, our traffic violation attorneys can fight for your rights and interests. Our team will review the specifics of your case, identify any potential defenses, and work to minimize the impact on your driving record. Whether it’s challenging the validity of the charges or negotiating alternatives to avoid point accumulation, we are committed to protecting your driving privileges.
What Are Points on a Driver’s License?
Whenever you are guilty of a moving violation in Florida, you receive a penalty in the form of points added to your driver’s license. These points are essentially marks against your driving record that reflect your history of traffic offenses. The more severe the violation, the more points are added. While a few points may not seem like a big deal, accumulating them over time can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension.
Common Moving Violations and Their Point Values in Florida
Different moving violations carry different point values in Florida, depending on the severity of the offense. Below is a list of some of the more common violations and the points assigned to your license if you plead guilty or are found guilty:
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Speeding 15 mph over the limit or less: 3 points
- Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit: 4 points
- Speeding resulting in an accident: 6 points
- Other moving violations resulting in an accident: 4 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 4 points
- Open alcohol beverage container: 3 points
- Child seat or restraint violation: 3 points
Each of these offenses can add up quickly, especially if you commit multiple violations within a short period.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Florida?
In Florida, points stay on your license for 36 months (or three years) from the date of the offense. This means that any points you accumulate will continue to impact your driving record for three years, which could influence your insurance rates and increase the risk of license suspension.
If you accumulate too many points within certain timeframes, your license will be suspended. Here’s how it works:
- 12 points in a 12-month period: 30-day suspension
- 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
- 24 points in 36 months: 12-month suspension
The more points you accumulate, the longer your suspension will be. It’s important to be mindful of your driving habits to avoid reaching these thresholds.
Avoiding Points and License Suspension
If you have committed a moving violation, there are ways to potentially avoid accumulating points on your license, such as:
- Traffic School: In some cases, you can take and complete a traffic school course, which may prevent the points from being added to your license. This option is often available for less severe offenses and is a great way to keep your driving record clean.
- Withhold of Adjudication: In certain circumstances, a judge may withhold adjudication, meaning you are not formally convicted of the violation. This can prevent points from being added to your license, but it is typically at the discretion of the court.
If you face a potential license suspension, Attorney Simon Wiseman can review the details of your case, advise you on the best course of action, and help you fight the charges to protect your driving record. As a former prosecutor, he has an insider’s perspective on how the other side operates, allowing him to craft strategic defenses tailored to your unique situation.
Protect Your Driving Privileges in Florida
Accumulating points on your license can quickly lead to significant consequences, including the risk of license suspension. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we understand the impact this can have on your life, and we’re here to help. With over two decades of experience, we know how to challenge traffic violations, negotiate alternatives, and protect your driving privileges. Our firm offers personalized legal guidance to help minimize the impact of points on your record and avoid license suspension.
Don’t let points jeopardize your ability to drive. Contact The Wiseman Law Firm today for a thorough case evaluation. We’ll explore all available options, from traffic school to withholding adjudication, to keep your record as clean as possible. Call (407) 420-4647 or visit our contact form.